Image processor

ABSTRACT

In a high-speed mode, a software processing unit notifies a hardware processing unit of settings information about output pictures before the hardware processing unit starts to encode an input picture, and the hardware processing unit performs continuous encoding for the output pictures, based on the settings information notified of by the software processing unit, without a notification signifying a completion for every picture, and upon completion of encoding for all of a specified number of the output pictures, sends an interrupt notification signifying a completion of encoding to the software processing unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2013-109251. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.2013-109251 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to image processors, and moreparticularly, to a real-time encoder in an H.264 compression codingsystem. Description of the Background Art

2. A video recorder of a background art is described in JP2010-272993A.In the video recorder, multiple video data sets input from a video inputunit are stored in a frame buffer. An encoding unit encodes video data.An encoder control unit allots encoding time to each of the video datasets stored in the frame buffer. Then when time allotted to a currentlytarget video data set of the encoding unit lapses, the target video dataset is switched to the next set.

H.264 real-time encoders generally perform header processing by softwareprocessing employing, for example, a CPU, and perform macroblockprocessing by hardware processing employing, for example, a hardwareaccelerator. This is because software processing is effective for headerprocessing as it can be flexibly adapted to various profiles andapplication programs, while hardware processing is effective formacroblock processing that involves huge amount of computing including alot of repeated routine operations.

Encoding by both software processing and hardware processing, however,causes issuance of commands from a CPU to a hardware accelerator andnotification signifying a completion of processing (interruptnotification) from a hardware accelerator to a CPU, every timeprocessing of one picture is complete. Thus issuance of commands andinterrupt notifications frequently occurs between the CPU and thehardware accelerator, and in consequence, the processing load of the CPUincreases and waiting time is prolonged, resulting in a protracted timerequired for encoding as a whole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processorthat reduces the processing load of a software processing unit andshortens a time required for encoding, in comparison with issuance ofcommands and interrupt notifications for every picture.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an image processorincludes a memory that stores a target picture for image processing, asoftware processing unit that performs image processing on a picture bysoftware processing, and a hardware processing unit that performs imageprocessing on a picture by hardware processing. The software processingunit has a high-speed mode as an operational mode of the hardwareprocessing unit, the high-speed mode being a mode for encoding an inputpicture so as to generate an output picture having a picture sizesmaller than a maximum picture size processable by the image processorand a frame rate higher than a frame rate corresponding to the maximumpicture size. In the high-speed mode, the software processing unitnotifies the hardware processing unit of settings information aboutoutput pictures before the hardware processing unit starts to encode aninput picture, and the hardware processing unit performs continuousencoding for the output pictures, based on the settings informationnotified of by the software processing unit, without a notificationsignifying a completion for every picture, and upon completion ofencoding for all of a specified number of the output pictures, sends aninterrupt notification signifying a completion of encoding to thesoftware processing unit.

In consequence, in performing encoding in the high-speed mode forgenerating an output picture having a small picture size and a highframe rate, the processing load of the software processing unit isreduced and time required for encoding is shortened, in comparison withencoding involving issuance of commands and interrupt notificationsbetween the software processing unit and the hardware processing unitfor every picture.

Preferably the software processing unit sets a maximum frame rate of anoutput picture, based on a maximum picture size processable by the imageprocessor and a frame rate corresponding to the maximum picture size, apicture size of an output picture, and a maximum clock frequency of thehardware processing unit.

Thus effective utilization of the maximum computing power of the imageprocessor and appropriate performance of high-speed encoding areachieved.

Preferably the software processing unit notifies the hardware processingunit of information about the specified number of output pictures to begenerated by continuous encoding along with the settings information.

Thus the hardware processing unit is capable of appropriately processingthe specified number of output pictures to be generated by continuousencoding in the high-speed encoding, based on the settings information.

Preferably the hardware processing unit includes a coding circuit thatcodes an input picture, a NAL-forming circuit that forms the NAL for thepicture coded by the coding circuit, and a control circuit that controlsthe coding circuit and the NAL-forming circuit. The settings informationnotified of by the software processing unit to the hardware processingunit is input to the NAL-forming circuit and the control circuit.

In this way, settings information required for high-speed encoding isinput to the NAL coding circuit and the control circuit, so thatappropriate performance of high-speed encoding is achieved in thehardware processing unit.

Preferably the settings information sets input to the NAL-formingcircuit include header information to be used to form the NAL for outputpictures.

By inputting the header information required for forming the NAL foreach output picture to the NAL coding circuit, the NAL for each outputpicture is formed appropriately in the NAL coding circuit.

In performing encoding in the high-speed mode for generating an outputpicture having a picture size smaller than a maximum picture sizeprocessable by the image processor and a frame rate higher than a framerate corresponding to the maximum picture size, the processing load ofthe software processing unit is reduced and time required for encodingis shortened, in comparison with encoding involving issuance of commandsand interrupt notifications between the software processing unit and thehardware processing unit for every picture.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a camerasystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a configuration of the imageprocessor.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a hardwareprocessing unit.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the imageprocessor in the normal mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor in the normal mode.

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating an example of multiple sequencesgenerated by the image processor.

FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating a first example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating a second example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating a third example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating a relation of sequences to be encodedwithin the same predetermined unit period in the multi mode.

FIG. 11 is a chart illustrating the number of notifications signifying acompletion to be issued in generating multiple sequences in the normalmode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor in the multi mode.

FIG. 13 is a chart illustrating a relation between a picture size and aframe rate.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the imageprocessor in the high-speed mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor in the high-speed mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Description of the PreferredEmbodiments

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detailbelow referring to the drawings. It should be noted that identicalreference numerals throughout the drawings indicate identical orequivalent elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a camerasystem 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camerasystem 1 includes multiple cameras 3 (3A to 3C), an image processor 2such as a real-time encoder connected to the cameras 3, a monitor 4 anda recording device 5 such as a hard disk drive connected to the imageprocessor 2, and a monitor 7 connected to the image processor 2 via acommunication network 6. For example, when the camera system 1 is usedas a security camera system for guarding a certain facility, the cameras3 are placed in an area to be monitored, the image processor 2, themonitor 4, and the recording device 5 are placed in a security office ofthe facility, and the monitor 7 is placed in a remote security company.

The image processor 2 encodes an image taken by the cameras 3 with theH.264 compression coding system. The image is recorded by the recordingdevice 5 and also displayed by the monitor 4 in real time. The image isalso transmitted to the security company via the communication network6, and displayed by the monitor 7 in the security company.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a configuration of the imageprocessor 2. The image processor 2 includes a memory 13 such as a DDRmemory for storing a target picture of image processing, a softwareprocessing unit 11 such as a CPU that performs image processing on apicture by software processing, and a hardware processing unit 12 suchas a hardware accelerator that performs image processing on a picture byhardware processing. The memory 13, the software processing unit 11, andthe hardware processing unit 12 are connected to each other via a systembus 14. Furthermore, the software processing unit 11 and the hardwareprocessing unit 12 are connected to each other via a register bus 15.

The software processing unit 11 notifies the hardware processing unit 12of various information used for encoding an image. In response to aninstruction by the software processing unit 11, the hardware processingunit 12 reads an image from the memory 13 and encodes the image. Uponcompletion of encoding, the hardware processing unit 12 notifies thesoftware processing unit 11 of completion of encoding.

FIG. 3 illustrates a relation of connection of the hardware processingunit 12 including a DMAR 21, a DMA interface 22, an encoding controlcircuit 23, a motion search circuit 24, a motion compensation circuit25, an orthogonal transformation-quantization-dequantization circuit 26,an entropy coding circuit 27 such as a CABAC/CAVLC coding circuit, a NALcoding circuit 28, a DMAW 29, a NAL decoding circuit 30, an entropydecoding circuit 31 such as a CABAC/CAVLC decoding circuit, a filtercircuit 32 such as a deblocking filter circuit, a decode sequencer 33, adecoding control circuit 34, a CPU interface 35, and an interruptcontrol circuit 36.

The DMAR 21 and the DMAW 29 are connected to the memory 13 via thesystem bus 14. The CPU interface 35 and the interrupt control circuit 36are connected to the software processing unit 11 via the register bus15. Although not illustrated in the figure, the DMAR 21 and the DMAW 29are connected to the software processing unit 11 via the register bus15, and the CPU interface 35 is connected to the software processingunit 11 via the system bus 14.

Although the relation of connection is not illustrated in FIG. 3 for thesake of simplicity, the CPU interface 35 is connected to the DMAR 21,the DMAW 29, the encoding control circuit 23, the NAL coding circuit 28,the entropy coding circuit 27, and the decode sequencer 33. Theinterrupt control circuit 36 is connected to the encoding controlcircuit 23 and the decode sequencer 33. The decode sequencer 33 isconnected to the encoding control circuit 23 and the interrupt controlcircuit 36. The decoding control circuit 34 is connected to the NALdecoding circuit 30, the entropy decoding circuit 31, the motioncompensation circuit 25, the orthogonaltransformation-quantization-dequantization circuit 26, and the filtercircuit 32, and controls these circuits in decoding. The encodingcontrol circuit 23 is connected to the interrupt control circuit 36, themotion search circuit 24, the motion compensation circuit 25, theorthogonal transformation-quantization-dequantization circuit 26, thefilter circuit 32, the NAL coding circuit 28, and the entropy codingcircuit 27, and controls these circuits in encoding.

In encoding, target image data is transferred through the DMAR 21, theDMA interface 22, the encoding control circuit 23, the motion searchcircuit 24, the motion compensation circuit 25, the orthogonaltransformation-quantization-dequantization circuit 26, the entropycoding circuit 27, the NAL coding circuit 28, and the DMAW 29, so thatthe image is encoded by pipelining.

In decoding, target image data is transferred through the DMAR 21, theNAL decoding circuit 30, the entropy decoding circuit 31, the orthogonaltransformation-quantization-dequantization circuit 26, the motioncompensation circuit 25, the filter circuit 32, the DMA interface 22,and the DMAW 29, so that the image is decoded by pipelining.

In the image processor 2 of the present embodiment, settings by thesoftware processing unit 11 enables arbitrary switching of operationalmodes of encoding of the hardware processing unit 12 (especially the NALcoding circuit 28) among three operational modes, namely, normal mode,multi mode, and high-speed mode.

In the normal mode, upon receipt of one instruction from the softwareprocessing unit 11, the hardware processing unit 12 encodes one picture.In every completion of encoding of one picture, the hardware processingunit 12 notifies the software processing unit 11 of a completion ofencoding.

In the multi mode, upon receipt of one instruction from the softwareprocessing unit 11, the hardware processing unit 12 encodes multiplepictures of multiple sequences having different picture sizes or framerates. In completion of encoding of all these pictures, the hardwareprocessing unit 12 notifies the software processing unit 11 of acompletion of encoding.

In the high-speed mode, upon receipt of one instruction from thesoftware processing unit 11, the hardware processing unit 12 encodesmultiple pictures of one sequence with a higher frame rate than in thenormal mode. In completion of encoding of all these pictures, thehardware processing unit 12 notifies the software processing unit 11 ofa completion of encoding.

The operational modes are described below.

<Normal Mode>

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the imageprocessor 2 in the normal mode.

In Step P01, the software processing unit 11 configures the settings ofexternal circuits of the hardware processing unit 12. For example, a DMAcontroller not illustrated in the figure, and interrupt and clockcontrol are initialized.

In Step P02, the software processing unit 11 initializes a stream bufferof the hardware processing unit 12. For example, the operational mode ofa stream buffer in the NAL coding circuit 28 is selected from the ringbuffer and linear buffer modes.

In Step P03, the software processing unit 11 sets a sequence parameterof the hardware processing unit 12. For example, a picture size, a ratecontrol-related parameter, a quantization matrix, an entropy codingmode, and NAL header information are configured.

In Step P04, the software processing unit 11 determines whether acurrently target picture is the last picture or not.

If not, in Step P05, the software processing unit 11 sets an imagebuffer of the hardware processing unit 12. For example, a captured imagebuffer, a local decoded image buffer, and a reference image buffer areconfigured.

In Step P06, the software processing unit 11 prepares a captured imagein the memory 13 to serve as an input picture to the hardware processingunit 12.

In Step P07, the software processing unit 11 sets a picture parameter ofthe hardware processing unit 12. For example, basic information about apicture, and deblocking filter-related, motion search-related, andentropy coding-related settings are configured.

In Step P08, the software processing unit 11 instructs to starttransferring the captured image and the reference image from the memory13 to the hardware processing unit 12.

In Step P09, the software processing unit 11 sets a quantization matrixof the hardware processing unit 12 to be used for encoding of a nextpicture.

In Step P10, the software processing unit 11 instructs the hardwareprocessing unit 12 to start macroblock processing.

In Step P11, the software processing unit 11 sets a parameter of headerinformation required for forming the NAL in the hardware processing unit12. For example, an effective bit length of header data and a positionof a start byte of a header are configured. When operating the hardwareprocessing unit 12 in the normal mode, header information to be used forencoding one picture is configured.

In Step P12, the software processing unit 11 instructs the hardwareprocessing unit 12 to start to form the NAL for the header information.

In Steps P13 and P14, the software processing unit 11 waits to receive anotification signifying a completion of encoding from the hardwareprocessing unit 12. The notification signifying a completion of encodingis input as an interrupt notification from the hardware processing unit12 to the software processing unit 11.

Upon receipt of the notification signifying a completion, in Step P15,the software processing unit 11 analyzes a NAL error. For example,presence or absence of a buffer full error in a stream buffer isanalyzed.

If there is a NAL error, in Step P24, the software processing unit 11ends encoding by a predetermined error handling. Alternatively, theprocesses in Step P04 and subsequent steps may be redone with anincreased buffer size.

If there is no NAL error, in Step P16, the software processing unit 11determines whether cabac_zero_word (CZW) and/or filler data needs to beinserted. For example, information about a generated amount of code of astream at that time is obtained from the hardware processing unit 12, sothat whether the CZW and/or filler data needs to be insert is determinedbased on the generated amount of code.

If CZW and/or filler data needs to be inserted, in Step P17, thesoftware processing unit 11 sets a parameter of the CZW and/or fillerdata required for forming the NAL in the hardware processing unit 12.For example, the size of the CZW and/or filler data to be inserted isconfigured. In Step P18, the software processing unit 11 instructs thehardware processing unit 12 to start to form the NAL for the CZW and/orfiller data.

In Steps P19 and P20, the software processing unit 11 waits to receive anotification signifying a completion of encoding from the hardwareprocessing unit 12. The notification signifying a completion of encodingis input as an interrupt notification from the hardware processing unit12 to the software processing unit 11.

Upon receipt of the notification signifying a completion, in Step P21,the software processing unit 11 analyzes a NAL error. For example,presence or absence of a buffer full error in a stream buffer isanalyzed.

If there is a NAL error, in Step P24, the software processing unit 11ends encoding by a predetermined error handling. Alternatively, theprocesses in Step P04 and subsequent steps may be redone with anincreased buffer size.

If there is no NAL error, in Step P22, the software processing unit 11outputs a NAL stream which has been written by the hardware processingunit 12 in the memory 13 after completion of encoding from the memory13. In Step P23, the software processing unit 11 increments a counterfor an encoded picture by one, and then perform the determination inStep P04. Hence the above processes are repeated until encoding of apredetermined number of pictures is complete. Then with completion ofencoding of the last picture, the processing ends.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor 2 in the normal mode.

The software processing unit 11 firstly inputs a reset signal S01 forresetting settings information of various registers to an initializedstate to the encoding control circuit 23.

Then the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a wait signal S02 to the entropycoding circuit 27. The software processing unit 11 inputs aninitialization signal S03 including, for example, the settingsinformation described in the above Steps P03, P05, and P07 to theencoding control circuit 23.

The software processing unit 11 inputs an initialization signal S04 ofthe stream buffer described in the above Step P02 to the NAL codingcircuit 28. The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S05 tostart transferring the image from the memory 13 to the hardwareprocessing unit 12 described in the above Step P08 to the encodingcontrol circuit 23.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S06 of thequantization matrix described in the above Step P09 to the encodingcontrol circuit 23.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S07 to start macroblockprocessing described in the above Step P10 to the encoding controlcircuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S08 to start entropycoding of a macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Hence theentropy coding circuit 27 starts entropy coding of the macroblock.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S09 of theheader information described in the above Step P11 to the NAL codingcircuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S10 to start to formthe NAL for the header information described in the above Step P12 tothe NAL coding circuit 28.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock start signal S11 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. Hence the NALcoding circuit 28 starts to form the NAL as described in the above StepP12.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for the header information, theNAL coding circuit 28 input a NAL-forming completion signal S12 of theheader information to the software processing unit 11. The NAL codingcircuit 28 also inputs a wait-canceling signal S13 to the entropy codingcircuit 27. Hence the data of a macroblock is input from the entropycoding circuit 27 to the NAL coding circuit 28, and the NAL codingcircuit 28 forms the NAL for the data of the macroblock.

The entropy coding circuit 27 inputs a completion signal S14 of entropycoding of the macroblock to the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S15 to start entropycoding of a next macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S16 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. As indicated by the loopL02 in the figure, the encoding control circuit 23 repeats the sameprocesses until entropy coding of all macroblocks in the picture iscomplete.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S17 to start entropycoding of the last macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S18 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. The entropy codingcircuit 27 also inputs a signal S19 signifying the last macroblock inthe picture to the NAL coding circuit 28.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for slice data of the lastmacroblock, the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock stop signal S20 ofthe NAL coding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. The NALcoding circuit 28 also inputs a weight setting signal S21 to the entropycoding circuit 27.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a NAL-forming completion signal S22signifying completion of forming the NAL for slice data of one pictureto the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a notification S23 signifying acompletion of encoding described in the above Step P13 to the softwareprocessing unit 11.

If CZW and/or filler data needs to be inserted as described in the aboveSteps P16 to P21, the software processing unit 11 inputs a command S24to start to form the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data described in theabove Step P18 to the NAL coding circuit 28.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock start signal S25 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. Hence the NALcoding circuit 28 starts to form the NAL as described in the above StepP18.

Upon completion of forming the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data, theNAL coding circuit 28 inputs a NAL-forming completion signal S26 of theCZW and/or filler data to the software processing unit 11.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock stop signal S27 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23.

As indicated by the loop L01 in the figure, the same processes asdescribed above are repeated until forming the NAL for all targetpictures is complete.

<Multi Mode>

Referring to FIG. 1, an image output from the image processor 2 serves avariety of uses such as recording in the recording device 5 and displayin the monitors 4 and 7. Thus in the multi mode, the image processor 2performs real-time encoding on images taken by the cameras 3 (that is,input pictures to the image processor 2) simultaneously in parallel, soas to output multiple sequences (that is, output pictures from the imageprocessor 2) having different picture sizes or frame rates depending onthe uses.

In an example of the present embodiment, the image processor 2 isassumed to be capable of processing an image having a picture size of1920×1080 pixels and a frame rate of 103 fps at its maximum computingpower (maximum arithmetic capacity). With such a capacity, the imageprocessor 2 is capable of processing 840480 macroblocks per second. Theimage processor 2 shares the maximum computing power in generatingmultiple sequences, so as to realize real-time encoding of the multiplesequences.

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating an example of multiple sequencesgenerated by the image processor 2. By sharing the maximum computingpower of a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels and a frame rate of 103 fps,the image processor 2 is capable of generating a total of nine sequencesincluding three sequences for recording in the recording device 5respectively having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels and a frame rateof 30 fps, a picture size of 640×480 pixels and a frame rate of 30 fps,and a picture size of 320×240 pixels and a frame rate of 30 fps, threesequences for delivery at a high rate (for example, for display in themonitor 4) respectively having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels and aframe rate of 30 fps, a picture size of 640×480 pixels and a frame rateof 30 fps, and a picture size of 320×240 pixels and a frame rate of 30fps, and three sequences for delivery at a low rate (for example, fordisplay in the monitor 7) respectively having a picture size of1920×1080 pixels and a frame rate of 10 fps, a picture size of 640×480pixels and a frame rate of 10 fps, and a picture size of 320×240 pixelsand a frame rate of 10 fps.

The picture sizes and the frame rates of the sequences are configured bythe software processing unit 11. The software processing unit 11 setsthe picture sizes and the frame rates of the sequences so that the totalcomputing power shared among the multiple sequences is equal to or belowthe maximum computing power of the image processor 2, based on themaximum computing power of the image processor 2 and the uses of thesequences specified by a user.

FIG. 7 is a chart illustrating a first example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences. The sequences include threesequences SEQ00 to SEQ02 for recording in the recording device 5,respectively having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels,and 320×180 pixels, and all having a frame rate of 30 fps, threesequences SEQ10 to SEQ12 for delivery at a high rate, respectivelyhaving a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels, and 320×180pixels, and all having a frame rate of 15 fps, and three sequences SEQ20to SEQ22 for delivery at a low rate, respectively having a picture sizeof 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels, and 320×180 pixels, and all havinga frame rate of 10 fps.

FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating a second example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences. The sequences include threesequences SEQ00 to SEQ02 for recording in the recording device 5,respectively having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels,and 320×180 pixels, and all having a frame rate of 30 fps, threesequences SEQ10 to SEQ12 for delivery at a high rate, respectivelyhaving a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, 320×180 pixels, and 320×180pixels, and all having a frame rate of 30 fps, and three sequences SEQ20to SEQ22 for delivery at a low rate, respectively having a picture sizeof 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels, and 320×180 pixels, and all havinga frame rate of 10 fps.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating a third example of settings of picturesizes and frame rates of sequences. The sequences include threesequences SEQ00 to SEQ02 for recording in the recording device 5,respectively having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, 640×360 pixels,and 320×180 pixels, and all having a frame rate of 30 fps, threesequences SEQ10 to SEQ12 for delivery at a high rate, respectivelyhaving a picture size of 1280×720 pixels, 320×180 pixels, and 320×180pixels, and all having a frame rate of 30 fps, and three sequences SEQ20to SEQ22 for delivery at a low rate, respectively having a picture sizeof 1280×720 pixels, 640×360 pixels, and 320×180 pixels, and all having aframe rate of 30 fps.

In the multi mode as described above, the maximum computing power of theimage processor 2 is shared so that encoding to generate the multiplesequences SEQ00 to SEQ02, SEQ10 to SEQ12, and SEQ20 to SEQ22 isperformed in parallel.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating a relation of sequences to be encodedwithin the same predetermined unit period in the multi mode. Thepredetermined unit period is a time period for encoding per picture(vertical synchronization period) with respect to the sequence havingthe highest frame rate among multiple sequences processed inmulti-encoding. Here, the first example illustrated in FIG. 7 isemployed with the highest frame rate of 30 fps, which leads to verticalsynchronization periods V1 to V9 of 33 ms.

Since the sequences SEQ00 to SEQ02 have a frame rate of 30 fps, encodingis performed in all vertical synchronization periods V1 to V9. Since thesequences SEQ10 to SEQ 12 have a frame rate of 15 fps, encoding isperformed in the vertical synchronization periods V1, V3, V5, V7, andV9. Since the sequences SEQ20 to SEQ22 have a frame rate of 10 fps,encoding is performed in the vertical synchronization periods V1, V4,and V7. In consequence, encoding is performed on nine pictures in thevertical synchronization period V1, three pictures in the verticalsynchronization period V2, six pictures in the vertical synchronizationperiod V3, six pictures in the vertical synchronization period V4, sixpictures in the vertical synchronization period V5, three pictures inthe vertical synchronization period V6, nine pictures in the verticalsynchronization period V7, three pictures in the verticalsynchronization period V8, and six pictures in the verticalsynchronization period V9.

In the above normal mode, the commands S05, S07, and S10 from thesoftware processing unit 11 to the hardware processing unit 12 and thenotification signifying a completion of encoding S23 from the hardwareprocessing unit 12 to the software processing unit 11 is issued everytime processing of one picture is complete. Thus during each of thevertical synchronization periods V1 to V9, the number of each of thecommands S05, S07, and S10 and the notification signifying a completionS23 to be issued is equal to the number of pictures to be encoded. Thusin the multi mode, during each of the vertical synchronization periodsV1 to V9, the hardware processing unit 12 processes multiple picturescontinuously, without the commands S05, S07, and S10 and thenotification signifying a completion S23 for every picture. Hence asillustrated in FIG. 10, the notification signifying a completion S23 isissued only once during each of the vertical synchronization periods V1to V9, which results in sufficient reduction of interrupt notifications.

FIG. 11 is a chart illustrating the number of notifications signifying acompletion to be issued in generating multiple sequences in the normalmode, for comparison with FIG. 10. In the normal mode, the notificationsignifying a completion S23 is issued nine times in the verticalsynchronization period V1, three times in the vertical synchronizationperiod V2, six times in the vertical synchronization period V3, sixtimes in the vertical synchronization period V4, six times in thevertical synchronization period V5, three times in the verticalsynchronization period V6, nine times in the vertical synchronizationperiod V7, three times in the vertical synchronization period V8, andsix times in the vertical synchronization period V9.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor 2 in the multi mode.

The software processing unit 11 firstly inputs a reset signal S01 forresetting settings information of various registers to an initializedstate to the encoding control circuit 23.

Then the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a wait signal S02 to the entropycoding circuit 27.

The software processing unit 11 inputs an initialization signal S03including, for example, the settings information described in the aboveSteps P03, P05, and P07 to the encoding control circuit 23. In the multimode, the initialization signal S03 includes information for identifyingmultiple sequences to be encoded in each of the vertical synchronizationperiods. Also in the multi mode, the linear buffer mode is selected asthe operational mode of a stream buffer in the NAL coding circuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs an initialization signal S04 ofthe stream buffer described in the above Step P02 to the NAL codingcircuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S05 to starttransferring the image from the memory 13 to the hardware processingunit 12 described in the above Step P08 to the encoding control circuit23. In the multi mode, all captured images to be encoded in each of thevertical synchronization periods are prepared in the memory 13.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S06 of thequantization matrix described in the above Step P09 to the encodingcontrol circuit 23.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S30 to instructthe NAL coding circuit 28 to operate in the multi mode to the NAL codingcircuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S07 to start macroblockprocessing described in the above Step P10 to the encoding controlcircuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S08 to start entropycoding of a macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Hence theentropy coding circuit 27 starts entropy coding of the macroblock.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S09 of theheader information described in the above Step P11 to the NAL codingcircuit 28. In the multi mode, header information about all pictures tobe encoded in each of the vertical synchronization periods is input tothe NAL coding circuit 28 by batch.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S10 to start to formthe NAL for the header information described in the above Step P12 tothe NAL coding circuit 28.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock start signal S11 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. Hence the NALcoding circuit 28 starts to form the NAL as described in the above StepP12.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for the header information, theNAL coding circuit 28 input a NAL-forming completion signal S12 of theheader information to the software processing unit 11. In the multimode, the NAL-forming completion signal S12 is input to the softwareprocessing unit 11, only when forming of the NAL for the headerinformation about the last picture to be encoded in each of the verticalsynchronization periods is complete.

The NAL coding circuit 28 also inputs a wait-canceling signal S13 to theentropy coding circuit 27. Hence the data of a macroblock is input fromthe entropy coding circuit 27 to the NAL coding circuit 28, and the NALcoding circuit 28 forms the NAL for the data of the macroblock.

The entropy coding circuit 27 inputs a completion signal S14 of entropycoding of the macroblock to the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S15 to start entropycoding of a next macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S16 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. As indicated by the loopL02 in the figure, the encoding control circuit 23 repeats the sameprocesses until entropy coding of all macroblocks in the picture iscomplete.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S17 to start entropycoding of the last macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S18 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. The entropy codingcircuit 27 also inputs a signal S19 signifying the last macroblock inthe picture to the NAL coding circuit 28.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for slice data of the lastmacroblock, the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock stop signal S20 ofthe NAL coding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. In themulti mode, the clock stop signal S20 is input to the softwareprocessing unit 11, only when forming of the NAL for the slice data ofthe last picture to be encoded in each of the vertical synchronizationperiods is complete.

The NAL coding circuit 28 also inputs a weight setting signal S21 to theentropy coding circuit 27.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a NAL-forming completion signal S22signifying completion of forming the NAL for slice data of one pictureto the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 starts entropy coding of a next picture,and when forming the NAL for slice data of the picture is complete, theNAL-forming completion signal S22 is input from the NAL coding circuit28 to the encoding control circuit 23 again. As indicated by the loopL03 in the figure, the encoding control circuit 23 repeats the sameprocesses until forming the NAL for slice data of all pictures to beencoded in each of the vertical synchronization periods is complete.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a notification S23 signifying acompletion of encoding described in the above Step P13 to the softwareprocessing unit 11.

If CZW and/or filler data needs to be inserted as described in the aboveSteps P16 to P21, the software processing unit 11 inputs a command S24to start to form the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data described in theabove Step P18 to the NAL coding circuit 28.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock start signal S25 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. Hence the NALcoding circuit 28 starts to form the NAL as described in the above StepP18.

Upon completion of forming the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data, theNAL coding circuit 28 inputs a NAL-forming completion signal S26 of theCZW and/or filler data to the software processing unit 11. As indicatedby the loop L03 in the figure, the NAL coding circuit 28 repeats thesame processes until forming the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data ofall pictures to be encoded in each of the vertical synchronizationperiods is complete.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock stop signal S20 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. In the multi mode,the clock stop signal S27 is input to the software processing unit 11,only when forming of the NAL for the CZW and/or filler data of the lastpicture to be encoded in each of the vertical synchronization periods iscomplete.

FIG. 12 illustrates a non-limiting example of completing forming the NALfor slice data of all pictures to be encoded in each of the verticalsynchronization periods, and then forming the NAL for the CZW and/orfiller data of all the pictures together. Unlike the above example,completing forming the NAL for slice data of each picture to be encodedin each of the vertical synchronization periods, and then forming theNAL for the CZW and/or filler data of the picture is possible.

As indicated by the loop L01 in the figure, the same processes asdescribed above are repeated until forming the NAL for all targetpictures is complete.

As described above, when the operational mode of the hardware processingunit 12 is the multi mode, the software processing unit 11 notifies thehardware processing unit 12 by batch of multiple settings informationsets about multiple output pictures (such as header information for allpictures to be encoded in each of the vertical synchronization periods)before the hardware processing unit 12 starts to encode an inputpicture. The hardware processing unit 12 performs continuous encodingfor multiple output pictures, based on multiple settings informationsets notified of by the software processing unit 11, without anotification signifying a completion for every picture. Upon completionof encoding for all of the multiple output pictures, the softwareprocessing unit 11 receives an interrupt notification signifying acompletion of encoding S23. In consequence, in performing multi-encodingof output pictures of multiple sequences having different picture sizesor frame rates, the processing load of the software processing unit 11is reduced and time required for encoding is shortened, in comparisonwith encoding involving issuance of commands and interrupt notificationsbetween the software processing unit 11 and the hardware processing unit12 for every picture.

The software processing unit 11 sets a picture size and a frame rate ofeach of multiple output pictures, based on a maximum picture size and aframe rate corresponding to the maximum picture size processable by theimage processor 2, and a use of the output pictures. Thus effectiveutilization of the maximum computing power of the image processor 2 andappropriate performance of multi-encoding are achieved.

The software processing unit 11 notifies the hardware processing unit 12of information for identifying an output picture among multiple outputpictures to be generated in each predetermined unit period along withthe initialization signal S03 (settings information). Thus the hardwareprocessing unit 12 is capable of appropriately processing the outputpicture among multiple output pictures to be generated in eachpredetermined unit period, based on the initialization signal S03.

The settings information notified of by the software processing unit 11to the hardware processing unit 12 is input to the NAL coding circuit 28(NAL-forming circuit) and the encoding control circuit 23 (controlcircuit). In this way, settings information required for multi-encodingis input to the NAL coding circuit 28 and the encoding control circuit23, so that appropriate performance of multi-encoding is achieved in thehardware processing unit 12.

<High-speed Mode>

Similar to the above, the image processor 2 is assumed to be capable ofprocessing an image having a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels and aframe rate of 103 fps at its maximum computing power. A clock speedrequired for encode one macroblock is assumed to be 330 cycles. On suchassumption, processing an image having a picture size of 1920×1080pixels and a frame rate of 103 fps requires the hardware processing unit12 for a clock frequency of 278 MHz.

Thus in the high-speed mode, an image having a frame rate higher than103 fps is processed with the upper limit for the clock frequency of thehardware processing unit 12 being 278 MHz and the picture size smallerthan 1920×1080 pixels.

FIG. 13 is a chart illustrating a relation between a picture size and aframe rate. For example, since a clock frequency required for processingan image having a picture size of 640×480 pixels and a frame rate of 160fps is 63.4 MHz, which is lower than the upper limit of 278 MHz, theimage is processed with the computing power of the image processor 2.The items marked with x instead of a clock frequency correspond to anarea where the clock frequency exceeds the upper limit of 278 MHz.

According to FIG. 13, for a picture size of 1920×1080 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 103 fps, for a picture size of 854×480 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 400 fps, for a picture size of 640×480 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 400 fps, for a picture size of 640×360 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 800 fps, for a picture size of 352×288 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 1500 fps, for a picture size of 320×240 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 1500 fps, for a picture size of 320×180 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 3000 fps, for a picture size if 176×144, a maximum framerate is 6000 fps, and for a picture size of 160×128 pixels, a maximumframe rate is 8000 fps.

The maximum frame rate of each picture size is configured by thesoftware processing unit 11. The software processing unit 11 sets amaximum frame rate of an output picture, based on a maximum picture size(1920×1080 pixels) and a frame rate (103 fps) corresponding to themaximum picture size processable by the image processor 2, a picturesize of the output picture, and an upper limit (278 MHz) of the clockfrequency of the hardware processing unit 12.

In the above-described normal mode, the commands S05, S07, and S10 fromthe software processing unit 11 to the hardware processing unit 12 andthe notification signifying a completion of encoding S23 from thehardware processing unit 12 to the software processing unit 11 areissued every time processing of one picture is complete. Thus processingan image having a high frame rate involves increase in issuance of thecommands S05, S07, and S10 and the notifications signifying a completionS23, proportionately with the frame rate. To solve this problem, in thehigh-speed mode, a specified number (for example, 255 for GOP of 15, and240 for GOP of 30) pictures are processed continuously, without thecommands S05, S07, and S10 and the notification signifying a completionS23 for every picture within the specified number of pictures. Hence theinterrupt notifications are sufficiently reduced.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the imageprocessor 2 in the high-speed mode. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thedifference from the normal mode is that insertion of the CZW and/orfiller data in Steps P16 to P21 is omitted to reduce the processingload. Since the other processes are the same as in FIG. 4, descriptionis not repeated.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a control sequence in the imageprocessor 2 in the high-speed mode.

The software processing unit 11 firstly inputs a reset signal S01 forresetting settings information of various registers to an initializedstate to the encoding control circuit 23.

Then the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a wait signal S02 to the entropycoding circuit 27.

The software processing unit 11 inputs an initialization signal S03including, for example, the settings information described in the aboveSteps P03, P05, and P07 to the encoding control circuit 23. In thehigh-speed mode, the initialization signal S03 includes informationabout a specified number for continuous encoding.

The software processing unit 11 inputs an initialization signal S04 ofthe stream buffer described in the above Step P02 to the NAL codingcircuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S05 to starttransferring the image from the memory 13 to the hardware processingunit 12 described in the above Step P08 to the encoding control circuit23. In the high-speed mode, all of the specified number of capturedimages to be continuously encoded are prepared in the memory 13.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S06 of thequantization matrix described in the above Step P09 to the encodingcontrol circuit 23.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S40 to instructthe NAL coding circuit 28 to operate in the high-speed mode to the NALcoding circuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S07 to start macroblockprocessing described in the above Step P10 to the encoding controlcircuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S08 to start entropycoding of a macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Hence theentropy coding circuit 27 starts entropy coding of the macroblock.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a setting signal S09 of theheader information described in the above Step P11 to the NAL codingcircuit 28. In the high-speed mode, header information about all of thespecified number of pictures to be continuously encoded is input bybatch to the NAL coding circuit 28.

The software processing unit 11 inputs a command S10 to start to formthe NAL for the header information described in the above Step P12 tothe NAL coding circuit 28.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock start signal S11 of the NALcoding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. Hence the NALcoding circuit 28 starts to form the NAL as described in the above StepP12.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for the header information, theNAL coding circuit 28 input a NAL-forming completion signal S12 of theheader information to the software processing unit 11. In the high-speedmode, the NAL-forming completion signal S12 is input to the softwareprocessing unit 11 only when forming of the NAL for the headerinformation about all of the specified number of pictures to becontinuously encoded is complete.

The NAL coding circuit 28 also inputs a wait-canceling signal S13 to theentropy coding circuit 27. Hence the data of a macroblock is input fromthe entropy coding circuit 27 to the NAL coding circuit 28, and the NALcoding circuit 28 forms the NAL for the data of the macroblock.

The entropy coding circuit 27 inputs a completion signal S14 of entropycoding of the macroblock to the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S15 to start entropycoding of a next macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S16 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. As indicated by the loopL02 in the figure, the encoding control circuit 23 repeats the sameprocesses until entropy coding of all macroblocks in the picture iscomplete.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a signal S17 to start entropycoding of the last macroblock to the entropy coding circuit 27. Uponcompletion of entropy coding of the macroblock, the entropy codingcircuit 27 inputs a completion signal S18 of entropy coding of themacroblock to the encoding control circuit 23. The entropy codingcircuit 27 also inputs a signal S19 signifying the last macroblock inthe picture to the NAL coding circuit 28.

Upon completion of forming of the NAL for slice data of the lastmacroblock, the NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a clock stop signal S20 ofthe NAL coding circuit 28 to the encoding control circuit 23. In thehigh-speed mode, the clock stop signal S20 is input to the softwareprocessing unit 11, only when forming of the NAL for the slice data ofthe last of the pictures to be continuously encoded is complete.

The NAL coding circuit 28 also inputs a weight setting signal S21 to theentropy coding circuit 27.

The NAL coding circuit 28 inputs a NAL-forming completion signal S22signifying completion of forming the NAL for slice data of one pictureto the encoding control circuit 23.

The encoding control circuit 23 starts entropy coding of a next picture,and when forming the NAL for slice data of the picture is complete, theNAL-forming completion signal S22 is input from the NAL coding circuit28 to the encoding control circuit 23 again. As indicated by the loopL03 in the figure, the encoding control circuit 23 repeats the sameprocesses until forming the NAL for slice data of all of the specifiednumber of pictures to be continuously encoded is complete.

The encoding control circuit 23 inputs a notification S23 signifying acompletion of encoding described in the above Step P13 to the softwareprocessing unit 11.

As indicated by the loop L01 in the figure, the same processes asdescribed above are repeated until forming the NAL for all targetpictures is complete.

As described above, when the operational mode of the hardware processingunit 12 is the high-speed mode, the software processing unit 11 notifiesthe hardware processing unit 12 of settings information about an outputpicture (such as a specified number) before the hardware processing unit12 starts to encode an input picture. The hardware processing unit 12performs continuous encoding for output pictures, based on settingsinformation notified of by the software processing unit 11, without anotification signifying a completion for every picture. Upon completionof encoding for all of a specified number of output pictures, thesoftware processing unit 11 receives an interrupt notificationsignifying a completion of encoding S23. In consequence, in performingencoding in the high-speed mode for generating an output picture havinga small picture size and a high frame rate, the processing load of thesoftware processing unit 11 is reduced and time required for encoding isshortened, in comparison with encoding involving issuance of commandsand interrupt notifications between the software processing unit 11 andthe hardware processing unit 12 for every picture.

The software processing unit 11 sets a maximum frame rate of an outputpicture, based on a maximum picture size and a frame rate correspondingto the maximum picture size processable by the image processor 2, apicture size of the output picture, and a maximum clock frequency of thehardware processing unit 12. Thus effective utilization of the maximumcomputing power of the image processor 2 and appropriate performance ofhigh-speed encoding are achieved.

The software processing unit 11 notifies the hardware processing unit 12of information about a specified number of output pictures to begenerated by continuous encoding along with the initialization signalS03 (settings information). Thus the hardware processing unit 12 iscapable of appropriately processing the specified number of outputpictures to be generated by continuous encoding in the high-speedencoding, based on the settings information.

The settings information notified of by the software processing unit 11to the hardware processing unit 12 is input to the NAL coding circuit 28(NAL-forming circuit) and the encoding control circuit 23 (controlcircuit). In this way, settings information required for high-speedencoding is input to the NAL coding circuit 28 and the encoding controlcircuit 23, so that appropriate performance of high-speed encoding isachieved in the hardware processing unit 12.

The settings information S09 input to the NAL coding circuit 28 includesheader information used to form the NAL for the output picture. Byinputting the header information required for forming the NAL of theoutput picture to the NAL coding circuit 28, the NAL for the outputpicture is formed appropriately in the NAL coding circuit 28.

While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoingdescription is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It isunderstood that numerous other modifications and variations can bedevised without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processor comprising: a memoryconfigured to store a target picture for image processing; a softwareprocessing unit configure to perform image processing on a picture bysoftware processing; and a hardware processing unit configured toperform image processing on a picture by hardware processing, thesoftware processing unit having a high-speed mode as an operational modeof the hardware processing unit, the high-speed mode being a mode forencoding an input picture so as to generate an output picture having apicture size smaller than a maximum picture size processable by theimage processor and a frame rate higher than a frame rate correspondingto the maximum picture size, wherein in the high-speed mode, thesoftware processing unit notifies the hardware processing unit ofsettings information about output pictures before the hardwareprocessing unit starts to encode an input picture, and the hardwareprocessing unit performs continuous encoding for the output pictures,based on the settings information notified of by the software processingunit, without a notification signifying a completion for every picture,and upon completion of encoding for all of a specified number of theoutput pictures, sends an interrupt notification signifying a completionof encoding to the software processing unit.
 2. The image processoraccording to claim 1, wherein the software processing unit sets amaximum frame rate of an output picture, based on a maximum picture sizeprocessable by the image processor and a frame rate corresponding to themaximum picture size, a picture size of an output picture, and a maximumclock frequency of the hardware processing unit.
 3. The image processoraccording to claim 2, wherein the software processing unit notifies thehardware processing unit of information about the specified number ofoutput pictures to be generated by continuous encoding along with thesettings information.
 4. The image processor according to claim 3, thehardware processing unit including a coding circuit configured to codean input picture; a NAL-forming circuit configured to form NAL for thepicture coded by the coding circuit; and a control circuit configured tocontrol the coding circuit and the NAL-forming circuit, wherein thesettings information notified of by the software processing unit to thehardware processing unit is input to the NAL-forming circuit and thecontrol circuit.
 5. The image processor according to claim 4, whereinthe settings information sets input to the NAL-forming circuit includeheader information to be used to form NAL for output pictures.
 6. Theimage processor according to claim 2, the hardware processing unitincluding a coding circuit configured to code an input picture; aNAL-forming circuit configured to form NAL for the picture coded by thecoding circuit; and a control circuit configured to control the codingcircuit and the NAL-forming circuit, wherein the settings informationnotified of by the software processing unit to the hardware processingunit is input to the NAL-forming circuit and the control circuit.
 7. Theimage processor according to claim 6, wherein the settings informationsets input to the NAL-forming circuit include header information to beused to form NAL for output pictures.
 8. The image processor accordingto claim 1, wherein the software processing unit notifies the hardwareprocessing unit of information about the specified number of outputpictures to be generated by continuous encoding along with the settingsinformation.
 9. The image processor according to claim 8, the hardwareprocessing unit including a coding circuit configured to code an inputpicture; a NAL-forming circuit configured to form NAL for the picturecoded by the coding circuit; and a control circuit configured to controlthe coding circuit and the NAL-forming circuit, wherein the settingsinformation notified of by the software processing unit to the hardwareprocessing unit is input to the NAL-forming circuit and the controlcircuit.
 10. The image processor according to claim 9, wherein thesettings information sets input to the NAL-forming circuit includeheader information to be used to form NAL for output pictures.
 11. Theimage processor according to claim 1, the hardware processing unitincluding a coding circuit configured to code an input picture; aNAL-forming circuit configured to form NAL for the picture coded by thecoding circuit; and a control circuit configured to control the codingcircuit and the NAL-forming circuit, wherein the settings informationnotified of by the software processing unit to the hardware processingunit is input to the NAL-forming circuit and the control circuit. 12.The image processor according to claim 11, wherein the settingsinformation sets input to the NAL-forming circuit include headerinformation to be used to form NAL for output pictures.